But staying out of the spotlight can have its advantages, and relatively quietly the team up in Anthem has put together a string of solid seasons and is only looking to get better.

Since Dan Friedman took over as coach at Boulder Creek in 2007, his team has gone 35-22 and made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons.

And while his roster this year will be young, with just seven returning starters, Friedman isn't making excuses and is aiming for nothing less than extending that playoff streak to five.

"We can compete with the big boys in the East Valley," he said. "We had a really good camp and a really good off-season, so I'm pleased so far."

Leading the way in 2012 will be seniors Isaiah Huston and Stephen Landeros. Huston, who Friedman called one of the best athletes in the state, will be used in a variety of roles, including slot back, defensive back and even quarterback when Boulder Creek uses the Wildcat formation.

Landeros, the team's leading rusher last season, will now be the main guy on offense with quarterback Trevor Bonifasi lost to graduation.

"I'm so happy to have that kid back," Friedman said of Landeros. "He was great last year and I'm expecting huge things out of him this year.

"You give that kid a little crack and a little space, and he does some dynamite things."

On the other side of the ball, Boulder Creek will run what Friedman calls a "multiple-front, attacking-style type of defense" that he hopes will be as impressive as his offense.

"Our D-line is going to be solid, our linebackers are doing a really good job and then our secondary is just unbelievable," he said.

The season starts Friday at Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, a team Boulder Creek beat 48-20 in last year's opener.

A repeat of that result and another trip to the postseason are high on Friedman's priority list.

"Game 1 is going to set the tone for the season, so we are not going to overlook Cactus Shadows," he said. "But the kids believe in themselves, the coaches believe in the kids, they've all been working really hard and we think if we can get into the playoffs this year, that would be a great accomplishment for this team."